Law & Government
Police Officer / Detective
You protect communities, investigate crime and keep people safe.
- Starting salary
- R11 000 – R18 000
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- English, Life Orientation
What do they do?
You protect communities, investigate crime and keep people safe.
A day in the life
You patrol, respond to calls, take statements, gather evidence and work with communities.
Skills you need
- Courage
- Fitness
- Observation
- Communication
School subjects that help
- English
- Life Orientation
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2SAPS basic training
- 3Constable
- 4Detective / specialised unit
Ways in: Work-based training · Diploma in Policing · University of Technology. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of South Africa
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Johannesburg
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- TVET Colleges nationwide
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R11 000 – R18 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R20 000 – R35 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R38 000 – R65 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Keep fit
- • Volunteer in community safety
- • Practise writing clear reports
Try this career
Write a clear, factual report of something that happened at school this week.
Related careers
Like this field but not sure about this exact job? Try these.
This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.